DHARAMSHALA - The Dalai Lama said on Thursday he had accepted an invitation to visit Taiwan, a move that could threaten improved relations between Beijing and Taipei.

"The government of Taiwan has given permission and the Dalai Lama has accepted the invitation and is looking forward to visiting," the Tibetan spiritual leader's spokesman Tenzin Taklha told AFP.

Taklha said the Dalai Lama, who is based in the northern Indian hilltown of Dharamshala, would lead prayer ceremonies in Taiwan and offer condolences to those affected by a typhoon two weeks ago that left hundreds dead.

The government in Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama of trying to split Tibet from China and regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification.

The Dalai Lama, who made a historic first visit to Taiwan in 1997 and went again in 2001, was invited to return by pro-independence opposition politicians.

His visit is scheduled for August 30 to September 4.

Beijing usually reacts angrily to any country hosting the Tibetan spiritual leader.